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PNG boosts support for HIV/AIDS infected people

PAPUA New Guinea has joined the world to commemorate World AIDS Day by raising awareness in communities about HIV/AIDS to show support to people living with HIV and to remember those who died, the Health Department’s HIV manager Dr Nick Dala said.
Speaking on behalf of Secretary Pascoe Kase at the HIV Expo by the National Capital District AIDS Committee and its partners, Dala said the largest burden of HIV was in the National Capital District.
The step taken by the committee was positive because more publicity at that level would attract more help and response.
“The day reminds the public that the HIV has not gone away yet. There is still a vital need to put more money, increase awareness and reduce stigma and discrimination that surrounds the community,” Dala said. He said in November last year, the joint UNAIDS programme announced that a fast-track approach should be taken over the next five, 10 or 20 years to give the country a real opportunity to end the epidemic by 2030.